EIGHTEEN

Today Alex is eighteen years old.

Really? How can that be possible?

Everyone always says that the years will pass by so quickly. In a blink of the eye the children will be gone.

Eighteen years ago, I didn't believe them.

Today, I do.

Eighteen.

A senior in high school. A man.

I am so proud of Alex and the person he has become. He is smart. He is hard-working. He is helpful. He thinks of others. He is loyal. He is dedicated. He is growing spiritually. He is willing to serve in his church. He is athletic. He is a good example to his younger brothers. When he loves, he loves completely. He is also a typical teen-aged boy at times.

Eighteen. Really.

Sometimes I feel so guilty that he had to be our 'guinea pig' in this game of parenting. But God knew what He was doing when he made Alex our oldest child. It hasn't always been an easy role for him, but he has paved the way for his siblings.

Have I mentioned how much I love Alex? I have ever since I first learned that he would be our Baby Dumplin'. When I first held him in my arms, life changed forever. He was the first one to call me Mommy. He has brought so much joy to our lives. He is an amazing blessing.

Eighteen.

I still can't comprehend the passing of time. Soon we will be hosting his graduation reception, and sending him off to college. His life is before him. My prayer is that he will continue to make wise decisions and rely on his Heavenly Father to guide him as he chooses which path he will take in life.

Happy birthday, Alex. Dad and I love you so much, and are very proud of you.

Love,

Mom

"My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5

**My computer is in the shop, so I don't have any pictures to post of Alex. You can view the proofs of Alex's senior pictures, taken by our good friend and awesome photographer Jen, at this link: http://jennymelle.zenfolio.com/p630150391